Narrowed focus and dissociative experiences in a community sample of experienced video lottery gamblers

Problem (n = 20) and occasional (n = 22) video lottery terminal (VLT) gambl ers were compared on speed of reaction to irrelevant light stimuli on a non gambling baseline measure and while playing on a VLT, on feelings of dissoc iation when gambling (Jacobs, 1988), and on general dissociative experience s (Dissociative Experiences Scale [DES]; Bernstein & Putnam, 1986). The gro ups did not differ on DES scores. Problem gamblers reported more dissociati ve-like experiences when gambling than occasional gamblers. For the problem gamblers only the speed of response to irrelevant light stimuli when playi ng on the VLT was dependent on the order of task presentation. These findin gs suggest problem VLT gamblers focus intensely on VLT play but are capable of changing their focus if the task requires it.